One of the biggest trends in the home is what can best be described as “East meets West” or the successful integration of Asian influences to the home.  It’s a beautiful design scheme when it’s done correctly and it’s one that we love so we’ve decided to give you a few ideas of how to incorporate those Asian influences to create something truly wonderful. If you need any more ideas or advice on how to proceed, an interior designer will be only too happy to help.

Keep It Simple

If you plan on incorporating an Asian theme into your home, it is imperative that you remember to keep it simple and not overdo things.  Adding too many items will actually detract from the look that you are trying to create. Think of the Japanese style of decorating when you are trying to build your new theme. It is very minimalistic with a few key pieces, not overrun with clutter or an abundance of ornaments.  When decorating your room, cast a keen eye over it and take away anything that you feel is too much.

Incorporate Bamboo

Bamboo is the quintessential Asian material – after all, when you think of it, you think of pandas and lush rainforests.  Bamboo is a very simple, elegant material that can be used for cabinetry, for louvres or blinds, or even for flooring. Its natural beauty really enhances any room in the home and it’s excellent for creating that serene, peaceful feeling that is unique to Asian culture.  If you don’t want to use actual bamboo, you can opt for a bamboo leaf motif in wallpapers or rug to get the same feel, only a little bit warmer.

Proudly Display Accessories

If you’ve got some accessories that you love, display them with pride!  Whether it’s a calligraphy hanging, a Buddha statue, an Asian artwork, a parasol, a cherry blossom print cushion, a lamp, or even rice paper hangings, put them in prominent positions in the rooms of your choice. They look great dispersed amongst other items and help to create what you can only call a cosy Asian feel, without going overboard.

Statement Furniture

Whether you want to incorporate a lot or a little of an Asian feel to your home, a few pieces of statement furniture can really do it for you!  Cabinetry or chests with a deep red or black lacquer are classic, elegant and unusual, and will really help to create a whole new atmosphere in your home.  Asian style furniture is unique in the fact that it is ornate yet minimalistic at the same time.

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are just gorgeous, there’s no other way to put it and they are perfect for bringing an Eastern feel to your room.  There are so many ways that you can use cherry blossoms too – as wallpaper, as a wall hanging or piece of art, in your soft furnishings, or even as fake stems of flowers in simple, tall vases.